TECHCAMP is an initiative of the Politecnico di Milano, the most important technical university in Italy, developed as part of the STEM culture dissemination activities, with the aim of creating new and significant connections between the university, high schools and technical institutes.
The initiative was created to offer high school students an in-depth learning experience that combines theoretical foundations with, above all, hands-on and experimental activities focused on highly relevant and cutting-edge technological topics. The programs address key areas of modern technology, providing participants with a concrete understanding of the scientific principles that will shape many of the technologies of the future. The goal is not to steer students toward university degrees in engineering, architecture, or design, but rather to equip them with the tools needed to make informed choices, even if they decide to pursue different educational pathways.
TECHCAMP is part of the University's broader commitment to meeting the growing demand for STEM skills, making the scientific and educational expertise of its faculty and researchers available. The university opens its classrooms and laboratories to young people, engaging academic staff and facilities in designing lessons and experiences specifically tailored for high school students.
TECHCAMPS are weekly summer courses taught in English, designed to meet an increasingly widespread training need that, in the past, has led many families to turn to similar programs abroad.
First launched in 2018, the programs have addressed emerging technologies from the outset, offering participants a comprehensive learning experience that integrates theory, practice, and experimentation.
One of TECHCAMP’s distinguishing features is its strong applied focus. Mornings are dedicated to theoretical lessons, while afternoons are devoted to practical, hands-on laboratory activities. Students may, for example, learn the fundamentals of programming by developing real-world solutions or acquire basic robotics skills through group experiments with collaborative robots.
Activities take place in university classrooms and also include visits to research laboratories.
Special attention is also given to the development of soft skills, such as teamwork and the ability to present scientific results effectively in English.
On Monday morning, all courses together will get a brief presentation to the camps, with an explanation of all of the logistical and organisational aspects of the week.
On the other days:
9:30 – 11:30 am, the professors will illustrate the ‘theoretical’ content necessary to carry out the hands-on tasks in the afternoon (after a general introduction to the subject of the course in the first lesson on the first day).
11:30 – 11:45 Coffee break
11:45 – 12.30 Continuation of the ‘theory’ part, also with examples.
12:30 – 13.30 Lunch break. Students can eat at the many bars and restaurants in the area.
13:30 – 16:30 Practical hands-on workshops: guided by at least two professors, the students will work in groups to perform the day’s task and put what they learned that morning into practice.
Every afternoon, the professors will dedicate time to supervising students in the preparation of a scientific presentation of their work, which will be given by each group on the last day of the week.
On Friday, the morning lesson will be devoted to working with the professors to verify the completion of the activities and presentations.
In the afternoon, the students, divided by course, will give a public presentation of the work carried out by each group, before participating collectively in the diploma awards ceremony.
